Allah Taãla says in the Noble Qurãn, 'You are the best of nations sent to man. You command good and forbid evil and you believe in Allah'. (Aali Imraan).
Allah Taãla states that one reason for this Ummah being titled as the best of Ummah, is the practice of commanding good and preventing evil'.
http://www.answering-christianity.com/

Monday, December 10, 2012

Abu
Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Prophet of
Allah (PBUH) said: "There was a man from among a nation before you who
killed ninety-nine people and then made an inquiry about the most
learned person on the earth. He was directed to a monk. He came to him
and told him that he had killed ninety-nine people and asked him if
there was any chanc

e for his repentance
to be accepted. He replied in the negative and the man killed him also
completing one hundred. He then asked about the most learned man in the
earth. He was directed to a scholar. He told him that he had killed one
hundred people and asked him if there was any chance for his repentance
to be accepted. He replied in the affirmative and asked, `Who stands
between you and repentance?

Go to such and such land; there (you will
find) people devoted to prayer and worship of Allah, join them in
worship, and do not come back to your land because it is an evil place.'
So he went away and hardly had he covered half the distance when death
overtook him; and there was a dispute between the angels of mercy and
the angels of torment. The angels of mercy pleaded, '

This man has come
with a repenting heart to Allah,' and the angels of punishment argued,
'He never did a virtuous deed in his life.' Then there appeared another
angel in the form of a human being and the contending angels agreed to
make him arbiter between them. He said, `Measure the distance between
the two lands. He will be considered belonging to the land to which he
is nearer.' They measured and found him closer to the land (land of
piety) where he intended to go, and so the angels of mercy collected his
soul". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another version: "He
was found to be nearer to the locality of the pious by a cubit and was
thus included among them". Another version says: "Allah commanded (the
land which he wanted to leave) to move away and commanded the other land
(his destination) to draw nearer and then He said: "Now measure the
distance between them.' It was found that he was nearer to his goal by a
hand's span and was thus forgiven". It is also narrated that he drew
closer by a slight movement on his chest.

Commentary: 1.
One comes to know from this Hadith that the gate of Taubah is open even
for the worst of the sinners; and Allah forgives everyone provided he
repents sincerely, the conditions for such repentance have already been
discussed.

2. It is the duty of a religious scholar that while
discussing a problem, he should keep in mind the psychological aspects
of the questioner and adopt a policy which neither causes a change in
the Injunction of Allah nor make the sinner reckless in his sins out of
frustration.

3. When a situation warrants, angels appear in the form of men on Orders of Allah.

Once there was a very handsome, pious, well educated young man, whoseparents emphasised for him to get married. they had seen so many marriageproposals, and he had turned them all down. The parents thought it wasbecoming a little ridiculous or suspected that he may have someone else inmind.

However every time the parents left the girls house, the young man wouldalways say "She's not the one!"

The young man only wanted a girl who was religious and practicing. (Whichwas hard to find)? However one evening his mother arranged for him, to meeta girl, who was religious, and practicing.

On that evening, the young man, and girl, were left to talk, and ask eachother questions. (As one would expect).

The young man, being a gentleman that he was allowed, the lady to askfirst. The young girl asked the young man soooo many questions. She askedabout his life, his education, his friends, his family , his habits, hishobbies, his lifestyle, his enjoyment, his pastime, his experiences.Basically everything.

And the young man replied to all of her questions, without tiring, andpolitely, with a smile the young girl took up nearly all of the time, overan hour, and felt bad, and asked the young man, "Do you have any questions?" The young man said, "It's okay. I only have 3 questions."

The young girl thought, "Wow, only 3 questions. Okay, shoot."

The young man's first question was:

1) Who do you love the most in the world, someone who's love nothing wouldever overcome?

She said, "This is an easy question. my mother."

He smiled.

The second question he asked was:

2) "You said that you read a lot of Qur'an, could you tell me which surahsyou know the meaning of?"

Hearing this she went red and embarrassed and said, "I do not know themeaning of any yet, but i am hoping to soon. InshAllah. I've just been a bitbusy."

The third question the young man asked was:

3) I have been approached for my hand in marriage, by girls that areprettier than you, why should I marry you?

Hearing this the young girl was outraged. She stormed off to her parentswith fury and said, "I do not want to marry this man. He is insulting mybeauty and intelligence."

And the young man and his parents, were once again, left without anagreement of marriage. This time, the young man's parents were really angry,and said, "What did you do to anger that girl? The family were so nice andpleasant and they were religious like you wanted. What did you ask thegirl?? Tell us! "

The young man said," Firstly, I asked her, 'Who do you love the most?' Shesaid her mother."The parents said "So, what is wrong with that??"The young man said, "No one, is Muslim, until he loves Allah, and hisMessenger(SAW) more than anyone else in the world.If a woman loves Allah andthe Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) more than anyone, she willlove me and respect me, and stay faithfulto me, because of that love, and fear for Allah (swt). And we can share thislove, because this love is greater than lust for beauty."

The young man said, "Then I asked, 'You read a lot of Qur'an, can you tellme the meaning of any surah?' She said 'No. because I haven't had time yet.'So I thought of that hadith "ALL humans, are dead except for those who haveknowledge." She has lived 20 years and not found ANY time, to seekknowledge, why would I marry a woman, who does not know her rights, andresponsibilities, and what will she teach my children, except how to benegligent, because the woman IS the madrasa (school) and the best ofteachers. And a woman who has no time for Allah, will not have time for herhusband."

The third question I asked her was that a lot of girls prettier than her,had approached me for marriage. Why should I choose her? That is why shestormed off, getting angry.

The young man's parents said "That is a horrible thing to say, why would youdo such a thing? We are going back there to apologise."

The young man said. "I said this on purpose, to test whether she couldcontrol her anger. The Prophet(SAW) said "Do not get angry, do not getangry, do not angry" when asked how to become pious because anger is fromSatan. If a woman cannot control her anger with a stranger she has justmet, do you think she will be able to control it with her husband?"

So, the moral of this story is that a marriage is based on knowledge, notlooks, practice, not preaching, forgiveness, not anger spiritual love, notlust and compromise One should look for a person who 1) Has love for Allah(SWT) and the Messenger (SAW). 2) Has knowledge of the deen, and can actupon it. 3) can control anger and another important and crucial factor: thatshe be 4) willing to compromise. *And it goes both ways, so women seekinga man, should look for the same things. *-From an email

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sincerity: We have to be sincere towards Allah
(SWT). The icing on the cake is Qiyam ul Layl. It illuminates our
hearts. For those who want to soften their hearts, then pray Qiyam Ul
Layl. Only Allah can see you pray Qiyam ul Layl while everyone else is
sleeping in the house.

“Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Bukhari)

You want to pray Qiyam ul Layl?

Then
you have to be sincere to be able to wake up for Qiyam ul Layl. Show it
to Allah, that you love Him, sincerity by your actions, words and
deeds.

“Whosoever desires (by his
deeds) the reward of the Hereafter, We give him increase in his reward,
and whosoever desires the reward of this world (by his deeds), We give
him thereof (what is decreed for him), and he has no portion in the
Hereafter.” (42:20)

“The goodness of the deeds is related
to the goodness of the hearts and goodness of the hearts is related to
the goodness of the intention.”

Conceal acts such as good deeds like Qiyam Ul Layl.

Virtues of Qiyam ul Layl

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” (Sahih Muslim)

Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Apostle said,"When
it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed,the Superior,
descends every night to the heaven of the world and says,'Is there
anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me),that I may respond to
his invocation;Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give
(it to) him;Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive
him?' “ (Bukhari)

Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may
Allah be pleased with them both), in which the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whoever
recites ten aayaat (verses) in qiyaam(layl) will not be recorded as one
of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat (verses) in qiyaam
will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand
aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen
(those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood)

“There is nothing one enjoys more than Qiyam ul Layl” Pious Preceddesor

Sleep on the right side: Abu Hurairah narrated : Let him lie down on the right side.

A
special benefit may be derived from this. The heart is on the left side
of the chest, and by sleeping on the right side, the heart remains on
the top side. One will not have a deep sleep, but will sleep lightly. If
one sleeps on the left side, the heart will be at the bottom, which
will result in a deep slumber (not good if you want to wake up for fajr
ontime)

Perform Wodhu: “While going to bed perform wodhu as if you are going to pray” Abu Dawood.

There is no Muslim who goes to sleep and remembers Allah in the state of purity.

Sleeping Early: When you go to sleep, sleep with the intention of getting up for qiyam ul layl

Recite Ayatul Kurs: I will teach you some
words by which Allaah will benefit you.’ I said, ‘What are they?” He
said, ‘When you lie down in your bed, recite Aayat al-Kursiy, “Allaah!
Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the
Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists…”
[al-Baraqah 2:255 – interpretation of the meaning] until the end of the
aayah, then you will have a protector from Allaah and no shaytaan
(devil) will come near you until morning comes.’ (Bukhari)

It was narrated that Abu Umamah said: The
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“Whoever
recites Ayat Al-Kursi immediately after each prescribed Prayer, there
will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except
death.” (Reported by An-Nisai)

Avoiding eating and drinking too much before going to sleep: Stop eating atleast 2 hours before going to sleep. Drink water and milk.

Avoid Haram: If you cannot pray qiyam ul layl that
means you are deprived and restricted and chained by your sins. The
sinner does not deserve the honor of praying the Qiyam ul Layl

Striving to wake up for Qiyyam: Make a team and appoint one person daily to call each other. In this way you will get up.

One
of the cure for relieving stress is Qiyam ul Layl. Wake up at night
and cry to Allah and talk to Him. This will help you relieve stress.

To cure anger, is Qiyam ul Layl

Build the Habit : You can Start with 2 rakahs just before Fajr till it becomes a habit and then move it to 4 rakats

I was pondering over a famous Dua (supplication) that the Prophet
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to say at times of anxiety or sorrow,
and I realised how wonderful this dua is for Productive Muslims
everywhere.

‘O Allaah, I take refuge in You from
anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice,
the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.’

If we look at all the six elements that the Dua above is asking Allah
for refuge from, we would realise that all of them are anti-Productivity
elements that if removed from our lives we can move forward much
quicker and be more productive.

Anxiety & Sorrow:

When you’re sad, bothered, or anxious about something, you cannot be
productive as your mind is taken over by what’s bothering you. Your
thought process is not devoted to anything else except how to get rid of
your anxiety or sorrow. Sometimes these anxieties are small, sometimes
they are big, but however big/small they are, the moment these anxieties
take over your life and blur your thoughts, then you need to make this
dua.

Weakness & Laziness:

Weakness is when you cannot do something, and laziness is when you do
NOT want to do something. And the two are inter-linked. Most people who
are lazy, end up being weak. Because what started off as something you
do not want to do, soon becomes something you cannot do and you end up
convincing yourself that you cannot ever do. Again, both these illnesses
are elements which you need to ask Allah for help in removing because
they are detriment to your quality of life. Imagine not being able to
achieve or do anything because you are weak or lazy, how pathetic is
that for a Muslim? And as in the famous hadeeth: “Seek help from Allah
and do not be weak!” That’s the formula, don’t get yourself to the level
of “I cannot do it” but seek help from Allah and anything is possible!

Miserliness & Cowardice:

Productivity requires you to spend, not only money, but money, time, and
effort. And spending needs courage, because the miserly are usually
cowards who fear poverty or fear lack of resources, but the person with
courage moves forward fearing nothing but Allah.

The Burden of Debt & Being Overpowered by Men:

There’s nothing more enslaving than the burden of debt, and that’s why
there’s a number of dua that Prophet Muhammad taught his followers to
remove such social slavery from his people, including one of my
favourite duas: ‘O Allaah, make what is lawful enough for me, as opposed
to what is unlawful, and spare me by Your grace, of need of others.’
Moreover, debt can also lead you to being overpowered of men described
in the dua, which mainly happens when you owe other people something.

Such a beautiful dua should always be in
our prayers and prostrations, as we’re not free from all the elements at
any one time. Moreover, if you want to know the cause of the above six
diseases, the answer is our sins. Nothing else brings about sadness,
anxiety, miserliness, cowardice, weakness, laziness and debt except for
our sins, so we need to stay guard by firstly reducing our sins and
secondly making the above dua abundantly, always.Copied From ProductiveMuslim.com

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sunday, October 21, 2012

125. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Belief has over sixty
branches. The best of them is the words, ‘There is no god but Allah’ and
the least of them is to remove an obstacle from the road.” [Agreed upon] Riyad as-Salihin

119. Abu Dharr also reported that the
Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The actions of
my community, both good and bad, were displayed before me and I found
among their good actions removing obstacles from the road and I found
among their bad actions spittle in the mosque which is not buried.” [Muslim] Riyad as-Salihin

122. Abu Hurayra said, “The Messenger of
Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Sadaqa is owed by
every limb people have. Every day on which the sun rises in which
someone establishes justice between two people is sadaqa. To help a man
with his animal and help him onto it is sadaqa. Or to lift his goods
onto it is sadaqa. A good word is sadaqa. Every step you take to the
prayer is sadaqa. Removing an obstacle from the road is sadaqa.” [Agreed upon] Riyad as-Salihin

How to remove an obstacle?

1. Identify obstacle to be removed. The ability to identify obstacles
and understand why they are causing problems is only the first step in
removing obstacles.

2. DIY (Do it yourself) -- Deal with the obstacle directly without
involving other people. This can be as simple as getting up and moving
an the obstacle from the road. e.g

* picking up a brick or stone from the road,
* picking up litter as you walking pass,
* Cleaning up the masjid
* picking up a small branch that is obstructing traffic. (Be careful and assess if it is safe to do it yourself)

3. Delegate -- Identify the obstacle and give precise instructions for
its removal to a person who will directly perform the removal. This can
sometimes work if removing an obstacle takes a great deal of time,
effort or specialized skills that you yourself do not possess. E.g.

* Calling the water company when there is a burst pipe,
* Call the fire station if there is a huge tree in the middle of the road.
* Call the traffic department if there is something on the highway/freeway.

NB: Always remember when doing a good
deed, have the correct intention/niyyah, do it for Allah’s pleasure with
sincerity. May all our good deeds be accepted. In shaa Allah.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Once a brother was driving while visiting in a country, along with his
wife. A lady pulled up beside him and started yelling obceneties at him,
and asking " why are you doing that to her". She was talking about his
veiled wife.

He told her to pullover on the side, and she did.

He said "you asked me a question, I will answer it"

"where is your money he said?"

... Reluctantly she answered "in my wallet"

"where is your wallet?" he asked.

"why? Why do you want to know" she replied.

He said "you asked me a question and I will answer it, I am not going to rob you, just answer the question"

"in my purse" she said.

"where do you keep your purse?"

"Why?" she asked.

"You asked a question and I will answer it, where do you keep your purse?"

"Under the seat in my car" she answered.

"why do you do that?"

"why go through the trouble of putting your money in your wallet, then in a purse, the putting the purse under the seat?"

"To protect it, should someone want to steal it" she said.

"that is why my wife is covered, to protect her."

May ALLAH make it easy for the sisters to wear the Hijab in the CORRECT
manner. May the covering of your shroud not be the first time you will
wear the Hijab. Aameen.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

One
day of the many days, there was a man travelling with his Wife and
Kids. On the way they met a person standing on the roadside. He asked:
"Who are you?"

The man said: "I am 'the Money'."

So the man asked his wife and kids: "Should we ask him to ride with us?"

They
all said together: "Yes, of course! Because 'the Money' can help us do
anything we want and get anyth...ing we wished." So they took 'the
Money' to ride with them. The vehicle continued on its way until they
met another person on the road. The Father asked: "Who are you?"

He said: "I am 'the high position and power'."

So the father asked his wife and kids: "Should we ask him to ride with us?"

They
all answered in one voice: "Yes, of course! Because with 'the high
position and power' we have the ability to do anything we want and own
anything we wished." So they took 'the high position and power' with
them, and the vehicle continued to finish its trip.

In
this way, they met with many people who promised pleasures and desires
of life, UNTIL... They met one strange person... The Father asked: "Who
are you?"

He said: "I am 'the Deen' (Islam)."

So
the father, the wife, and the kids; all of them said in one voice: "No,
no, this isn't the time, we desire the pleasures of life and the
Dunyah. ‘The Deen' will prevent us and then stop us from all pleasurable
things and it will take control of our lives. We will be worn-out from
being loyal to it and its teachings. The Halaal and the Haraam, and this
thing ‘prayer’ and that thing ‘Hijaab’, and the fasting, and; and; and;
and; and; etc, It will be a burden for us!!!"

"But certainly, we will return to pick you up after we enjoy life and everything else in it."

So sadly, they left him behind and the vehicle continued on its trip.

All
of a sudden, out of nowhere something appeared in the middle of the
road. It was a check-point with the sign saying STOP!!! They found a man
gesturing for the father to get out of the vehicle. The man said to the
father: "Your trip has ended. Come with me."

The father was shocked with fear and did not say a word. The man said to him: "I am searching for ‘the DEEN’. Is he with you?"

The father answered: "No, I left him not too far back. If you could allow me to go back, I will get him for you."

The
man said: "You do not have the ability to go back now. Your trip has
ended and there is no returning... going back is impossible."

The
man said to him: "Neither will they benefit you now nor will they
protect you when you come in front of Allah. Not even one bit! You have
left all of them behind. The only one that will help you now is 'The
Deen' you know, the one who YOU left behind on the road."

The father asked: "And who are you exactly?"

He replied: "I AM 'the DEATH' - The one who you were heedless of - and the one who you did not think of on your trip!!!"

The
father turned around and looked at his vehicle and found his wife
taking control and continuing the trip along with all of the passengers
besides him. And none of them had stayed behind with him. He was left
all alone.

LET
US NOT COMPROMISE OUR DEEN FOR THE WORLDLY THINGS. ONLY OUR DEEN WILL
ACCOMPANY US BEYOND TH GRAVE. May ALLAH give us the ability to always do
the things that will help us on the Day of Reckoning. Aameen

Sunday, October 7, 2012

The Blessed Prophet(SAW) said, “Whosoever removes adhaa (anything
repulsiveor harmful) from the masjid, Allah will make a house for him in
Jannah.” (ibn majah)

The Blessed Prophet (SAW) once saw phlegm on the wall of the masjid.
His face became red with anger. A woman amongst the Ansaar came,
removed it, and replaced it with incense.

Abu Hurairah narrated that: “A man or a woman used to clean the
mosque.” (Most probably a woman according to a sub-narrator). According
to another hadith, the Prophet offered her funeral prayer at her grave.
[Sahih al-Bukhari: Vol. 1, #450]

The Prophet (S) passed by a grave and asked his companions about it.
His companions replied it is the grave of Umm Muhjan. The Prophet (S)
rebuked them because they did not inform him of her death and then
prayed the funeral prayer over her. He then said: ‘Why did you not
inform me?’ They replied- you were sleeping and we did not like to wake
you’. The Prophet prayed for her and had great respect for her as she
used to spend her efforts in cleaning the house of Allah and the
Prophet’s masjid.” (Related by Muslim)

Action plan

1.The masjid is the house of Allah. Ensure it is spotless. It is a
place of dawah as well and first impressions last. Please always keep
it clean and tidy especially the ablution areas and the toilets. If you
mess water clean up the spillage.

2. Hire someone to maintain cleanliness in the masjid, their job
description should be to ensure the masjid is clean and tidy before and
after salaah. Donate towards the cleaners salary.

3. If you see any obstacles, dirt etc in the masjid pick up or clean it and Allah will reward you with a house in jannah.

4. When entering masjid put shoes neatly and don’t throw them all over the place. Put in shoe racks.

5. Start a clean up committee and get volunteers to clean up masjid
weekly and do a good spring clean of the masjid monthly. Set up a
meeting with current cleaners and trustees of the masjid and inform them
about your intentions. Find out what the cleaning needs are. Have a
plan and create a schedule.Allocate a day or salaah for members to be in
charge to ensure the masjid is clean. Do a needs analysis.

6. Put posters in and around the masjid as reminders of being clean, not wasting water etc.

7. Smoking is a bad habit but if you insist to smoke in front of the masjid, throw the cigarette buds in a bin.

8. If you are gum chewer please discard it properly or swallow it.

9. Parents if you bringing children to the masjid ensure they well
behaved. If they mess up the walls and untidy the place. Clean up or
ensure they clean up before you leave.

10. Please try not to eat and drink in the masjid unless it is iftar.
Clean up after yourself. If you spill or mess clean up before you
leave.

11. If possible make wudu and use the toilet at home before you come
to the masjid. If it is an emergency and you have to use the toilet at
the masjid please remember cleanliness is half of faith.

12. If you changing baby diapers don’t change it in the prayer area.
Try and ask the trustees to install baby changing area in the bathroom.
Don’t leave diapers laying around. Best is to carry diaper waste bags
with you and dispose of the diaper at home or in the outside bin of the
masjid.

13. Volunteer to clean your local masjid and make a difference.

14. When entering masjid ensure your shoes, socks, clothes, breath
etc are all clean. If it rains or snows and shoes are muddy make sure
shoes are clean before entering masjid premises.

15. Encourage recycling at the masjid

16. Make the masjid eco friendly and save electricity.

17. Save water and organise for a borehole to be installed at the
masjid and use for ablution etc. don’t waste water while cleaning the
masjid.

Oh yeah, this one is
difficult. It’s hard enough for many Muslims to even get up for Salaatul
Fajr (the Dawn Prayer) which is mandatory. It’s certainly no easy thing
waking up even earlier for the night prayer. Establishing and
maintaining this wonderful act takes great sacrifice and patience.
Which is why the rewards are so plentiful.In fact, this is one of the few Sunnahs that are endorsed by Allah in the Quran as well as the hadith.

Arise to (pray) the night except for a little. Half of it or subtract from it a little.
Chapter 73, verse 2-3.

2. Making All of The Sunnah Prayers

Two Rakaah before Salaatul Fajr; none after.

Four Rakaah before Salaatul Dhuhr; two Rakaah after.

Four Rakaah before Salaatul Asr; none after.

None before Salaatul Maghrib; two Rakaah after.

None before Salaatul Isha; two Rakaah after.

It is also recommended that you make Salaatul Witr before going to bed. This can also be combined with Tahajjud instead.

3. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

Generally, fasting is
difficult no matter when you do it. It’s difficult to do it for thirty
days straight during Ramadhan. And it’s difficult to do it twice a week
outside of Ramadan.But it is an act that
is loved by Allah. So, it is something you should try to make part of
your life. After all, this is one action that no one except you and
Allah knows about.People can see you pray. And they can see you give charity. And they can see you read Quran.But no one can “see”
you fast. Even if you tell someone you’re fasting, no one knows the
truth except you and Allah. That’s one of the reasons Allah loves this
deed so much.4. Reciting Suratul Kahf on Fridays

Suratul Kahf (the
Chapter of the Cave) is a very interesting chapter. It is the 18th
chapter of the Quran and includes many lessons and stories. Some of the
stories included are:

The story of the Companions of the Cave.

The story of Musa and Khidhr.

The story of Dhul Qarnain and Gog and Magog.

Some of the lessons included are:

Leaving the land of disbelief if oppressed for your beliefs.

Understanding that all pleasures in this world are temporary.

Being patient with Allah’s decree.

Signs of the Last Day.

Whoever reads Suratul Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays. Narrated by Al-Hakim

It’s easy to see the
benefits of reciting suratul Kahf every Friday. But actually doing so is
not so easy. Some reasons I think many people neglect this action:

It’s
a fairly long chapter. It takes about forty minutes to read the entire
chapter in Arabic with proper Tajweed. Even someone who reads better
than I do would probably take at least half an hour.

You
have to know how to read Arabic and read it pretty well. If you don’t
know how to read Arabic or if you’re not very good at it, you’re going
to find what takes me forty minutes will probably take you a couple of
hours. Not trying to discourage you. Just keeping it real. And no, you
can’t read it in English and expect the same reward.

People
forget. It’s not easy to remember to do something once a week, week in
and week out. If it’s done every day, it might be easier to remember. My
suggestion, program your cell phone calendar to remind you that it’s
Friday and you have to read Suratul Kahf.

People are lazy. Plain and simple.

5. Making Two Rakaahs After Every Wudu

Seriously? This one is not even all that difficult. But I’m sure many people don’t do it.

Abu Hurairah reported
that the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said to Bilal, “O
Bilal, tell me what good deed you have done in Islam that I hear the
sound of your footsteps in Paradise?” Bilal said, “That after I purify
myself during the day or night, I pray with that purification as much as
Allah has destined for me.” Related by Bukhari

I can understand why
you might want to neglect this deed. If you work in an office building
or are in school, it may not be so easy to find a place to make a two
rakaah several times a day.

But this is a list difficult Sunnahs, isn’t it?

Don’t be too hard on
yourself if you’re not fulfilling any of these. Even though there is
great reward in doing them, they are voluntary acts. So there is no
punishment if you decide not to do them.

However, rather than neglect them altogether, pick out the ones you think you can do. And then, do it.It’s really that simple.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

“And seek help in patience and As-Salaah (the prayer) and truly, it is
extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khaashi‘oon [i.e. the true
believers in Allaah — those who obey Allaah with full submission, fear
much from His punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in
His Warnings (Hell)].[al-Baqarah 2:45]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Prayer in
congregation is twenty-seven times better than prayer offered alone.”
(Narrated by Muslim, no. 650)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

From today & for 3 days all the muslims will stop using Google & Youtube Because
they refused to stop showing the film 786, that made fun of our prophet
SAW, taking less than 2 min to fwd this msg so that we can answer Allah
(SWT) when he asks us what action we took when his beloved (SAW) was
insulted?

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Sometimes it really scares me how people
so easily talk about how they don’t pray fajr! I don’t know if its me
being naive or just so oblivious to what people have come to be, but is
it that easy to just not pray fajr? I’m not saying its a piece of cake,
its hard, it takes effort and practice. But you gutta put some effort in
it right? Ajr doesn’t just doesn’t shower upon us if we don’t want to
take the first step.

Fajr is what gives our day such a
different meaning. For me, when i catch fajr just on time, even though
usually i go back to sleep within 10 mins, i wake up feeling fresh. I
feel like ‘YES, i woke up a couple hours ago to pray 2 rakah’s. I woke
up and got up to worship my Lord.’ Wallahi it gives your day a different
feel.

I read this the other:

How can the sun of Islam rise again while the sons of Islam are asleep at sunrise.

… and not ever before have i read
something that shook me so much as this. It is just so true! We
sometimes forget the basics, sometimes we focus on the outside form of
what Eman is, and what being a ‘Practicing Good Muslim’ is. But
initiating the love and eagerness in the hearts of our youth and
everyone in our ummah for salatul fajr, is something far more important
than hundreds of islamic courses about dawah.

Change starts within. I feel like when you
can take care of your prayer, esp salatul fajr, you are superman. You
can do anything. You can conquer the world, because whilst the whole
world sleeps, you are chosen, you are of the few whom wake up and
worship Allah.

For me, its the most beautiful feeling
ever. To hear the athan call out, i feel like its so personal. Its just
me and the muathin. I hear him say:

Prayer is better than sleep الصلاة خير من النوم

And my heart skips a beat. I love
sleeping. I can sleep hours on, and wake up and be willing to take
another nap. But when it comes to that part in the athan – every desire
to be all cozy and cuddled up in bed goes away. I can be doing that, but
if Allah swt has told us that there is more ‘khayr’, more goodness in
Salat, than man i’m getting up and not even going to hesitate about it.

I say this reminding myself first and
foremost about how important Fajr is. It isn’t easy to wake up, but when
you do start making it a habit and giving your excuses a black eye…
then you will experience the most beautiful eman boost, you will taste
the fruits of Eman like you have never before, and you will have an
inner alarm that will never allow you to loose that connection with
Allah.

I ask Allah to allow us to take care of
this precious prayer, to allow us to wake up and never miss it and to
allow us to appreciate it and realize how important it is!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The story of Luqman is mentioned in SuraLuqman
(31:12-19). More about Luqman is stated in Ibn Kathir’s book, “Stories
of the Prophet”. A summary of that story is stated below.Luqman Ibn ‘Anqa’ Ibn Sadun or, as stated by As-Suhaili from Ibn Jarir and Al-Qutaibi, Luqman Ibn Tharan,
was from among the people of Aylah (Jerusalem). He was a pious man who
exerted himself in worship and who was blessed with wisdom.

Sufyan Ath- Thawri narrated from Al-Ash’ath after ‘Ikrimah on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah
be pleased with him) that he was an Ethiopian slave who worked as a
carpenter. Qatadah narrated from Abdullah Ibn Az-Zubair that Jabir Ibn
‘Abdullah when asked about Luqman, said: “He was short with a flat nose.
He was from Nubia.”

Yahia Ibn Sa’ id Al-Ansari said after Sa’ id Ibn Al-Musayib that
Luqman belonged to the black men of Egypt. He had thick lips and Allah
the Almighty granted him wisdom but not prophethood. ‘Umar Ibn Qais and
Al-A’mash narrated after Mujahid: Luqman was a huge black slave,
thicklipped. While he was preaching a man who used to know him saw him
and said: “Aren’t you the slave of so and so who used to look after my sheep not so long in the past?” Luqman said: “Yes!” The man said: “What raised you to this high state I see?” Luqman said: “The Divine Decree, repaying the trust, telling the truth and discarding and keeping silent regarding what does not concern me.” (This Hadith was narrated by Ibn Jarir after lbn Hamid after Al-Hakam.)

Ibn Wahb narrates that Luqman’s answer to the question about what had raised his status that people came to him for advice was: “Lowering
my gaze, watching my tongue, eating what is lawful, keeping my
chastity, undertaking my promises, fulfilling my commitments, being
hospitable to guests, respecting my neighbors, and discarding what does
not concern me. All these made me the one you are looking at.” Abu
Ad-Darda’ added that Luqman the wise was granted wisdom because he was
self-restrained, taciturn, deep-thinking, and he never slept during the
day. No one had ever seen him observing trivialities, or foolishly
laughing. He was very eloquent and well-versed. He did not weep or cry
when all his children died. He even used to frequent the princes and men
of authority to mediate. The majority of scholars are of the view that
he was a wise man and not a prophet. Moreover, he was mentioned in the
Glorious Qur’an and was highly praised by Allah the Almighty Who
narrates his advice to his own son in which the first act that he
forbids is Shirk (joiningothers with Allah.)

The Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.S) also referred to Luqman’s saying this to his son, “O my son! Join not others in worship with Allah, verily joining others in worship with Allah is a great wrong indeed“ (Luqman, 31:13).

The next advice that Luqman gives to his son and to mankind is taking
care of parents. He states their rights over the children and tells the
children to be kind to their parents even if they were polytheists.
However, it is clarified that they should not be obeyed if they are
inviting to polytheism. This is followed by: “O my son! If
it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and
though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will
bring it forth. Verily, Allah is Subtle (in bringing out that grain),
Well-Aware (of its place),” i.e., he forbids wrong to the
people even in the slightest way, for Allah will bring it forth and
bring him to account on the Day of Resurrection.

Abu Sa’id Al- Khudri reported Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S) as saying: “If
any of you performs deeds in a solid rock that has no door or hole, his
deeds, whatever they are, will come out (to the public).”

Luqman’s further advice to his son is: “O my son! Aqim-As- Salah (perform As-Salah), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma’ruf (Islamic
Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar
(i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists of all kinds and
all that is evil and bad),”, i.e., with your hand, with
your tongue and if you could not, let it be with your heart (i.e. reject
and resent it). Then, he advised him to observe patience, saying: “and bear with patience whatever befalls you,”for
the enjoining of what is good and forbidding the evil, will probably
earn enmity from those who resent being corrected (but, the final reward
form Allah would surely be his). “Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allah with no exemption).”Luqman warns his son against the sin of pride: “And turn not your face away from men with pride,” cautioning against being showy or arrogant. Further, the advice regarding one’s bearing is: “nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.”

Luqman then advises his son to be moderate in his walking: “And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice,” i.e., if you talk, do not raise your voice very loudly because the braying of the ass is the harshest of all voices.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet (S.A.W.S) said: “When
you hear the crowing of cocks, ask for Allah’s Blessings for (their
crowing indicates that) they have seen an angel. And when you hear the
braying of donkeys, seek refuge with Allah from Satan for (their braying
indicates) that they have seen a Satan” (transmitted by Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih).

Other advice given by Luqman has been mentioned in a book titled
Hikmat Luqman (Luqman’s Wisdom). From this valuable book, we get the
following:

“On my son! Verily, wisdom has brought the indigent to the courts of kings” (narrated by Damurah after As-Sariy Ibn Yahia).

“O my son! If you come to a people’s setting, start them with
salutation (saying As-Salamu ‘Alaikum (Peace be with you)), then, take a
side and do not utter a word till they speak. If you find them
observing the Remembrance of Allah, join them. But, if they observe
anything else, turn away from them and seek others (who remember Allah
Almighty)” (narrated by ‘Abdah lbn Sulaiman after Ibn Al-Mubarak after
‘Abdur Rahman Al-Mas’ udi after ‘Aun Ibn ‘Abdullah).

“O my son! Take Allah’s Obedience as your trade, and you will gain
profits without having any merchandises” (narrated by Saiyar after
Ja’far after Malik Ibn Dinar).

“O my son! Fear Allah and do not let the people notice that you fear
Him to gain honor (from them) while your heart is sinful” (narrated by
Abul Ashhab after Muhammad Ibn Wasi’).

“O my son! I have never regretted keeping silent. If words are
silver, silence is golden” (told by Hasan after Al-Junaid after Sufyan).

“O my son! Stay away from evil and it will stay away from you, for
evil begets nothing but evil” (told by ‘Abdul Samad and Waki’ after Abul
Ashhab after Qatadah).

“O my son! Choose between gatherings (of people) precisely! If you
find a gathering in which Allah is mentioned, sit yourself with them.
Thus, if you are knowledgeable, your knowledge will benefit you; but, if
you are ignorant, they will teach you; and if Allah wishes to do them
good, you will be benefited therewith.

O my son! Do not sit in a gathering in which Allah is not mentioned
because if you are knowledgeable, your knowledge will not benefit you;
and if you are ignorant, they will add to your ignorance; and if Allah
wishes to afflict them with harm, you will be afflicted with them. O my
son! Do not rejoice at seeing a strong man who sheds the blood of the
faithful, for Allah appoints for him a killer that does not ever die”
(narrated by Imam Ahmed after ‘Abdur Rahman Ibn Mahdi after Nafi’ Ibn
‘Umar after Ibn Abu Malikah after ‘Ubaid Ibn ‘Umair).

“O my son: Let your speech be good and your face be smiling; you
will be more loved by the people than those who give them provisions.”
And, he said: “It is stated in the wisdom of the Torah: “Kindness is the
head of wisdom.” And, he said: “It is stated in the Torah: “As you show
mercy (to others), mercy will be shown to you.” And, he said: “It is
stated in the wisdom: “You will gain what you give (or, harvest what you
grow).” And, he said: “It is stated in the wisdom: “Love your friend
and the friend of your father” (narrated by Abu Mu’awiyah after Hisham
Ibn ‘Urwah).

Luqman advised his son not to befriend a fool for it might give him
the impression that his foolishness is being approved of; and not to
anger a wise man for he might distance himself (narrated by Dawud Ibn
Rashid after Ibn Al-Mubarak after Mu’amir after Abu ‘Uthman).

Luqman was once asked: “Who is the best one in terms of patience?” He said: “It is the one who practices no harm after observing patience.” Then he was asked: “Who is the best one in terms of knowledge?” He said: “It is he who adds to his own knowledge through the knowledge of others.” When asked: “Who is the best from among the whole people?” he said: “It is the wealthy.” They said: “Is it the one who has properties and riches?” He said: “No! But, it is the one who is generous in doing good when others seek it from him, and,it is the one who does not need anything from others”(narrated by Abdur Razzaq after Mu’amir after Ayyub after Abu Qulabah).

Yazid Ibn Hamn and Waki’ told us after Abul AShhab about Khalid
Ar-Rab’i as saying: “Luqman was an Ethiopian slave who worked as a
carpenter. One day, his master ordered him to slaughter a goat and bring
him the most pleasant and delicious two parts from it. Luqman brought
him the tongue and heart. The master asked: “Didn’t you find anything more pleasant than these?” Luqman said: “No!”
After a while, the master ordered him to slaughter a goat and to throw
away two of the most malignant parts. Luqman slaughtered the goat and
threw away the tongue and heart. The master exclaimed and said: “I
ordered you to bring me the most delicious parts and you brought me the
tongue and heart, and I ordered you to throw away the most malignant
parts and you threw away the tongue and heart, how can this be?” Luqman said: “Nothing can be more pleasing than these if they are good and nothing can be more malicious than these if they are malignant.”

Dawud Ibn Usaid told us after Isma’il Ibn ‘Ayyash after Damdam Ibn
Zar’ah after Shuraih Ibn ‘Ubaid Al-Hadrami after ‘Abdullah Ibn Zaid:
Luqman said: “Verily, Allah’s Hand is on the mouths of wise men; none of them speaks but with what Allah assigned for him.”

Abdur Razzaq told us after Mu’amir after Ayyub after Abu Qulabah that according to Sufyan Ibn ‘Uyaynah, Luqman was asked: ‘Who is the worst of all people?” He replied: “It is the one who does not feel shame if found committing a sinful deed.”

Abu As-Samad reported to us that Malik Ibn Dianr said: I found some pieces of-wisdom as follows: “Allah Almighty scatters and wastes the bones of those who give religious opinions that go with the people’s lusts and desires.” And,
“There is no good for you that you learn something new while you do not
practice what you have learned previously. This is like a man who
gathered a pile of dry wood, then tried to carry it but couldn’t.
Thereupon, he collected a second one.”

Ibn Abu Hatim said: I was told by my father after Al-’Abbas Ibn
Al-Walid after Zaid Ibn Yahya Ibn ‘Ubaid Al-Khuza’i after Sa’id Ibn
Bashir that Qatadah said: Allah Almighty enabled Luqman to choose
between Prophethood and wisdom and he (Luqman) preferred wisdom to
Prophethood. Then, Gabriel came while he was asleep and poured the
wisdom over him. And, he began to pronounce it the next morning.

Many from among our earlier scholars, foremost among whom were
Mujahid, Sa’id Ibn Al-Musayyb and Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with
him), were of the viewpoint that Allah’s Statement that reads: “And indeed We bestowed upon Luqman Al- Hikmah (wisdom),”
means: discretion and religious understanding. He was not a Prophet and
nothing had been revealed to him Al- Wahi (Divine Inspiration).Quranic Verses related to the story of LUQMAN[Quran: Surah Luqman (31:12-19)]

And indeed We bestowed
upon Luqman Al-Hikmah (wisdom and religious understanding) saying: “Give
thanks to Allah.” And whoever gives thanks, he gives thanks for (the
good of) his ownself. And whoever is unthankful, then verily, Allah is
All-Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.

And (remember) when Luqman
said to his son when he was advising him: “O my son! Join not in
worship others with Allah. Verily joining others in worship with Allah
is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed.

And We have enjoined on
man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in
weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in
two years – give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final
destination.

But if they (both) strive
with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you
have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world
kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in
obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what
you used to do.

“O my son! If it be
(anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it
be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it
forth. Verily, Allah is Subtle (in bringing out that grain), Well-Aware
(of its place).

“O my son! Aqim-As-Salat
(perform As-Salat), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma’ruf – (Islamic Monotheism
and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e.
disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheism of all kinds and all that
is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily,
these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allah with no
exemption).

“And turn not your face
away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth.
Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.

“And be moderate (or show
no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the
harshest of all voices is the braying of the asses.”

“Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three [gulps].
Mention the Name of Allah when you start drinking and praise Him after
you have finished [drinking].”

[Fath al-Bari 12/197 and Al-Trimidhi]

At The Beginning Of Ablution:

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,

“Make Wudu [Ablution] in the name of Allah”

[An-Nasai 1/11 and Ibn Khuzaimah 1/84]

Before Having Sexual Intercourse with one’s wife:

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,

“If anyone of you, when having sexual intercourse with his wife, says:
In the name of Allah. O Allah! Protect us from Satan and also protect
what you grant us [i.e. Coming offspring] from Satan and if it is
destined that they should have a child, then Satan willnever be able to
harm him.”

“If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or
eating, Satan says, addressing his followers: ‘You will find no where to
spend the night and no dinner.’ But if he enters without mentioning the
Name of Allah, Satan says [To his followers]; ‘You have found [A place]
to spend the night in’, and if he does not mention the Name of Allah at
the time of eating, Satan says: ‘You have found [a place] to spend the
night in as well as food.’”

[Sahih Muslim 2/206]

When Leaving The House:

The Messenger Of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,

“If anyone of you when leaving the house says In the name of Allah, I
trust in Allah, there is no power and might except from Allah. Your
needs shall be fulfilled, you shall be saved from difficulties and
hardships. Shaitaan hearing these words leaves him.”

Abul Malih (radiAllahu anhu) said: I was riding on a mount behind the
Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam). It stumbled. Thereupon I said: May
the devil perish! He said:

“Do not say: May the devil perish! For if you say that, he will swell so
much so that he will be like a house, and say: By my power. But say
Bismillah for when you say that, he will diminish so much so that he
will be like a fly.”

[An-Nasai 6/142, Ahmad 5/59 and Abu Dawud 4946]

Recommended When Night Falls:

Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,

“When night falls stop your children from going out, for the devils
spread out at that time. But when an hour of the night has passed,
release them and close the doors and mention Allah’s Name, for Satan
does not open a closed door. Tie the mouth of your water-skin and
mention Allah’s Name; cover your containers and utensils and mention
Allah’s Name. Cover them even by placing something across it, and
extinguish your lamps. “

[Sahih al-Bukhari 7/527 and Abu Dawud 3722]

When Placing The Body Of The Deceased In The Grave:

The Prophet of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,

“When you are lowering the deceased in the grave you should say In the
name of Allah and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of
Allah.”

[Ahmad 8/58 and Al-Hakim 1/366]

The Virtues Of Saying Bismillah:

Uthman bin Abu al-As Al-Thaqafi (radiAllahu anhu) reported that he made a
complaint of pain to Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) that
he felt in his body at the time he had become Muslim. Thereupon Allah’s
Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:

“Place your hand at the place where you feel pain in your body and say
in the name of Allah three times and seven times I seek refuge with
Allah and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I fear.”

[Muslim 2/280]

When Writing A Letter Bismillah Should Also Be Written:

Abu Sufyan (radiAllahu anhu) said that the contents of the letter were as follows:

“In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, [This letter
is] from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the
ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows the right path.
Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will
be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this
invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your
peasants.”

[Bukhari 4/191, Muslim 2/91, Al-Trimidhi 7/500]

“[Queen Sheba] said ‘O chief! Surely an honorable letter has been
delivered to me Surely it is from Sulaiman, and surely it is in the name
of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;’”